UFC Fight Night 34 has suffered another setback.
One day after Hyun Gyu Lim took Jake Ellenberger’s place in the main event against former Strikeforce welterweight champion Tarec Saffiedine, the co-main event also lost one of the fighters.
Hacran Dias of his planned co-feature about against UFC newcomer Tatsuya Kawajiri, due to an injury. MMAFighting.com confirmed the news with sources close to the situation, which was first reported by MMA Junkie.
The UFC has yet to officially announce Dias’ injury and Kawajiri’s new opponent.
Dias, who hasn’t fought since a decision loss to Nik Lentz in May, was expected to meet Rodrigo Damm at UFC Fight Night 29 in October, but the bout was cancelled a couple days before the weigh-ins when Damm was forced to withdraw due to kidney issues.
UFC also has a new bout set for Jan. 4 card at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.
MMAFighting.com learned with sources close to the situation that Leandro Issa has signed a deal with the promotion and has verbally agreed to face Russell Doane. Fight Sport Asia first reported the match-up.
Doane signed a deal with the UFC after scoring a fourth-round knockout victory over UFC veteran Jared Papazian at Tachi Palace Fights 17 last October, earning the vacant bantamweight title.
Issa was set to fight Koetsu Okazaki at One FC 13 on Dec. 6, but chose to leave the card and sign a deal with the UFC. The Brazilian has won eight of his past nine bouts, including five straight submissions between 2008-10.
According to reports, Shinya Aoki and Eddie Ng were also offered deals with the UFC, but decided to stay at Asia’s One FC.
“ONE FC has always worked with the best gyms and promotions in Asia and we are very proud to have the best fighters in Asia showcased on One FC,” promotion’s CEO Victor Cui told MMAFighting.com. “Shinya Aoki, Eddie Ng, and Bibiano Fernandes are great examples of fighters that have created a huge following from millions One FC fans and found a home with the biggest organization in Asia.
“Our focus is to attract and build the most talented Asian fighters and champions – from time to time, I would consider giving fighters to other organizations whenever the opportunity makes sense.”